The Troodos mountains continued to be covered in snow on Saturday, following a drop in temperatures that has brought wintry conditions to the island’s highest elevations.
Snowfall blanketed the trees, with cold air and cloud contributing to low temperatures and frost in exposed areas. Conditions remained colder than average for the time of year, particularly at altitude.
Nonetheless, individuals took the opportunity to enjoy the white-coated mountains, and create some snowmen...and women.
The snow cover is expected to remain over the coming days as the cold spell continues, while lower areas experience mainly cloud and occasional rain.
Authorities urged motorists travelling to higher elevations to exercise caution, as icy conditions are expected to persist, particularly during the early morning and evening hours.
Forecasters said the cold spell is likely to continue in the coming days, keeping temperatures below seasonal averages and maintaining the snow cover on the mountains, even as lower-lying areas experience occasional rain and cloud.
Forecast
Tonight, the weather will remain mostly cloudy with local rain showers and snowfall over the higher mountains. Winds will be mainly northerly to north-easterly, light to moderate, 3 to 4 Beaufort, and temporarily strong in the north, east, and south, 4 to 5 Beaufort. The sea will be slightly rough. Temperatures will drop to around 8°C inland, about 10°C along the coast, and close to 1°C in the highest mountain areas, where local frost is expected.
Tomorrow, conditions will be mostly cloudy with isolated showers, mainly in the southwest. Winds will be north-easterly, moderate to strong, 4 to 5 Beaufort, and variable and light, 3 Beaufort, in the west. The sea will be slightly rough to rough, calm to slightly rough in the west. Temperatures will reach around 13°C inland, 15°C along the coast, and 4°C in the higher mountains.
Tomorrow night, the weather will be mostly clear. North-easterly winds will remain moderate to strong, 4 to 5 Beaufort, and the sea will be slightly rough to rough.
Monday will be mostly cloudy and cold with isolated rain showers and snow in the mountains. Tuesday will be mostly clear and cold, while Wednesday will see high clouds.
Temperatures are not expected to deviate significantly from seasonal averages until Tuesday, while Wednesday will see a slight increase, remaining just below average. Snow depth at Chionistra currently stands at 24 centimetres.